The need for FFF

The FFF is the natural the evolution of the National Forest Programme (NFP) Facility into a new phase, which builds upon the experiences of the past 10 years and elements of the Growing Forest Partnerships (GFP) initiative. The FFF combines the strengths of FAO, IIED, IUCN and the WB.

I am indeed convinced that there is an absolute need for this kind of program. The role of the local communities and the small holders in decision making process in the area of forest landscape is very paramount. This is attesting the fact that local communities and small holders are more vulnerable when it comes to the impact of forest degradation. They suffer the most the constituent of forest degradation. They also impact positively in protecting the forest cover from rampant destruction. In the context of The Gambia, community and small holder involvement in protecting and managing the forest cover through the community forestry program (14% of forest cover) introduced by the Forest Department have had a positive impact on the forestry landscape.Freedom from Hunger Campaign - Alpha P Khan - Director – Gambia

The FFF is framed in a context where natural resources are facing global challenges: population growth and inequitable and unsustainable consumption patterns are degrading ecosystems and threaten many rural peoples’ access to land, food, fuel, construction materials and livelihoods. Vital ecosystem services, natural resources and invaluable biodiversity is often being endangered or forever lost.

This kind of programme is indeed necessary for a country like us. This will support in promoting sustainable forest management in our country and address the issues of marginalized through a broader perspective. As the country also is in a transition phase, this kind of program would further add to development of common understanding on the issues.Apsara Chapagain - Chairperson - Federation of Community Forestry Users’ NepalFECOFUN - Kathmandu Nepal

Recent evidence from international agencies highlights the advantages of local control in conserving the environment while meeting local needs. Today about 30% of the world’s forests are managed by local people, either formally or informally and it is these local groups that make many forest investments work on the ground. Yet the distance of smallholder, women, community and Indigenous Peoples groups who live close to forests, from decision-making centers, markets and investment programmes, and their lack of organized representation in these, leaves their crucial contribution marginalized.

I tell you that there is a real need for such kind of programme and it is feasible to implement. The kind of support that is required is financial and technical as well. This programme can be a unique model by the leadership of an NGO in the 3rd World and a very effective and important economical income generation activity, as well as, a great benefit to the environment, especially in a country like Sudan where there are huge empty lands that are not used and plenty of water.Um Elmomineen Charitable Organisation - Dr Mohammed Hussein – Sudan

Many challenges related to poor governance mechanisms, inadequate skills, access to market opportunities, lack of coordination amongst multiple funding streams and lack of public awareness on the complexity and multiple values of forests, hinder effective delivery of the current investments (e.g REDD+) into locally managed forests and farms.

The voices of amongst smallholders, communities and indigenous peoples who are the custodians of our forests are not heard. Someone out there is speaking on their behalf which sometimes does not deliver the right message. Supporting them to have access to financing and investments for forest landscape will make them own the process of forest management as opposed to the current practices whereby someone brings thema project which they may not articulate well and own.“Envirocare - Loyce C. Lema - Executive Director - Tanzania